We ensure young children get the best start in life by supporting and regulating the early childhood education and care sector. We are the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population.

Breadcrumb navigation

Inferential comprehension

Inferential comprehension is the ability to process written information and understand the underlying meaning of the text. This information is then used to infer or determine deeper meaning that is not explicitly stated. Inferential comprehension requires readers to:

combine ideas

draw conclusions

interpret and evaluate information

identify tone and voice.

A higher and more complex level of comprehension involves critical analysis which requires readers to:

be critical

form opinions

identify authors' points of view and attitudes

identify and consider the authority of texts and their messages

infer motives of characters and themes.

Critical analysis can be introduced in very early reading. The use of the 'Six Thinking Hats' strategy is one effective way of developing critical thinking skills.

NSW Department of Education

Copyright, privacy and accessibility

This information is current as at 26/05/2019 01:36am, AEST. For the most up-to-date information, go to https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/learning-across-the-curriculum/road-safety-education/professional-learning/professional-learning-7-12-teachers/crossroads-teaching-the-skills-through-safe-travel.